Our family has never been the type to have huge birthday bashes – this might have to do with the fact that the first three kids were born in December. I can certainly see the wisdom of down-playing birthday celebrations when you have three of them (not to mention a new baby every so often!) in the same month as Christmas!
But we certainly never let a birthday pass without cake (and ice cream, of course). I figured that if we can have short ribs for Dr Pepper Day, we can have cake in honor of the blog's birthday!
Who really needs an excuse to make cake, anyway?
When we started this blog four years ago, it was a way for us to keep in touch after Sukie, Deirdre, and I moved to the DC area. You can see how we started here. (It's probably the only time we will ever have four posts in one day!)
I went back and reread a bunch of our first posts, and the two things that most stuck out to me are: wow, our photos have gotten a lot better! And we really haven't changed too much.
For instance, I apparently will always want to tell about about exciting new used children's books and my struggle to keep plants alive, while my mom still gives adorable handmade gifts, scores great finds at thrift stores, and doesn't really believe in a post without pictures.
Pumpkin ice cream chilling before it gets frozen. |
The idea was to “maintain the collective memory.”
At first, we just meant by this the need to be up on the details – especially the visual details – of each others' lives. When you come from a close-knit family, it's hard to accept that your mom can't visualize the little crafting corner you just organized (this was, in fact, the project that launched LMLD, not that it was much to look at).
The blog made it so that when one of us mentioned the cute dish we found at the thrift store or the pretty card we made for a friend's birthday, or the clever sit-upon we made (isn't the 10-year-old Bridget the cutest?), the rest of us would know what she was talking about!
Over time, though, our idea of the “collective memory” has grown to include more lofty things as well. In particular my mom has taken on the task of setting down for us some of the wisdom that goes into making a happy home, including everything from planning meals and doing laundry to keeping Sunday a day of rest, to ideas for entertaining teenagers (not to mention feeding them).
If you haven't already, you should take a look at the sidebar there to the right.
(One of our goals for this next year is to get things better organized; we're due for some changes around here.)
But you can find most of Auntie Leila's more substantial posts listed there. There's so much!
I was just one of the daughters four years ago; now I'm a wife and mother, too! |
And while we call ourselves Our Mother's Daughters, that doesn't mean that we don't have some very important men in our lives, and our blog (much like our lives) wouldn't be complete without them.
So the collective memory also includes brothers and soon-to-be brothers-in-law, a handy (and book-loving) husband, a beekeeping father, and, of course, a baby boy!
Pippo wishes he lived closer to all his aunties, though I'm sure Sukie would never forgive me if I didn't specify that this particular shirt refers to her. |
Spice cake and pumpkin ice cream. I'm imagining I'm back in New England for autumn. |
The most exciting thing that's happened to the blog itself in the last four years is the addition of all of you!
We love (love!) meeting you through your comments, emails, and {pretty, happy, funny, real} posts.
We think of you as our friends, whether or not we've met you in real life (some of you we have)!
We talk about you to each other all the time.
(In a loving, rather than creepy, way, naturally.)
Pippo helps by organizing my plastic containers while I cook. |
So thank you! We really love having you here.
Now that the collective memory has grown to include all of you, tell us – is there anything we should know? Anything you'd like to see, or hear?
And if you're new here, welcome! Please introduce yourself – we can't wait to meet you.
Like Mother, Like Daughter's Fourth Birthday Brown Sugar Bundt
adapted from Gourmet
Very moist, lightly spiced, and not too sweet: a great cake for a fall blogiversary or other minor feast day.
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
Preheat oven to 350*
Cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add vanilla and eggs, one at a time. Beat until smooth, scraping the sides and bottom to make sure you get it all in there.
Add dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Again, scrape the sides as you go. (I resent dirtying bowls unnecessarily, so I usually add one cup of flour and all the little teaspoons of things in the first go-round to ensure they get mixed in well.)
Pour into greased bundt pan (Warning to my mother: this will not fit into your funny little bundt), bake until done: about 1 hour. Turn cake onto cooling rack and cool completely. (I turned it out right away with no ill effects; if you're concerned about it coming out smoothly, let it cool in the pan for up to an hour before you turn it onto the rack.)
Dust with powdered sugar or (this is the Lt's preference) drizzle with cream cheese glaze (vaguely: 2 Tbsp softened cream cheese, 2 Tbsp milk, a bit of vanilla, and enough powdered sugar to get to a drizzle-able consistency).
Pumpkin Ice Cream
2 cups half and half
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
pinch of salt
3 egg yolks
1 cup pumpkin puree (I used canned; just make sure it's pure pumpkin, rather than pumpkin pie filling!)
1 tsp vanilla
In a small saucepan, whisk together the half and half, brown sugar, spices, and salt. Heat on medium-low until it just starts to bubble around the edges.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, then add about half of the cream mixture in a thin stream while whisking the whole time. (This tempers the egg yolks so they don't scramble!)
Scrape it all back to join the rest of the cream in the saucepan, and heat on low, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (you're looking for a custard thick enough to coat the back of a spoon). It will bubble, but you don't want it to really boil or for the bottom to burn.
Remove from heat, whisk in pumpkin and vanilla until smooth.
Pour into bowl and chill thoroughly (My mother has instilled in me a fear of too-soft ice cream, so I like to put my custard in the freezer first, so it's as cold as possible) before freezing according to your ice cream maker's directions.
Emily says
Happy Birthday! I'm so glad that you all started this blog, and especially grateful to be able to learn from your “collective memory”.
chasingmyhat says
Hooray- happy 4th!
I, too, am glad for y'all's blog. Thank you!
Deanna says
I am a fairly new reader of LMLD and I love reading your blog! I also love that each post never lacks beautiful pictures! Happy Birthday to LMLD!
Mama Hen says
Happy Birthday to you! I am thankful for all of you sharing your wisdom and wit with us!
skoots1mom says
he's being so diligent with his plastic container lids, hahahah! such a cutey
Kate says
I cannot wait to try your cake recipe! It looks fabulous 🙂
Happy birthday! And thank you!
Gwenny says
I've been reading for about six months – I think I found y'all when my daughter was having her three month old growth spurt and nursing nursing nursing pretty much 24 hours a day. I talk about you all the time, too, and have recomended your blog to all of my friends. What I *love* about it is that it really, really tells you exactly what to do. I've been reading books for years about how to create a Catholic home. Leila is the first to say exactly, this is what you should do, and not just give generals. Thank you so much and I would love to see LMLD in book form one day. I would buy it! And then when you did a promotional tour, I would stand in line for hours to get it autographed!
Gwenny says
Also, Rosie, I have the same problem regarding not really being into fake flowers but wanting to make my front door pretty with a wreath. You showed us a tantalizing glimpse of the cloth flowers you made, but could you s.l.o.w.l.y walk us through it, step by step? And I really liked the entry-way series!
Also, I made the E lasagna! But I added hot sauce, cumin, and red pepper to the beef while it was browning. I don't think it tasted much like yours does, but my husband liked it so I'm happy!
_Leila says
Gwenny! You made it memorable all on your own!!
Lisa G. says
Happy Birthday! This blog is worth its weight in gold – more!! And all due to your dear mother! I've read all the archives, I think; but will read them again – so normal, so helpful, so sensible!
I have to say I would like your mother to do a series on bread baking, but I fear that may be impossible because she hates measuring.
I have a bundt pan – haven't used it yet! Scared to. 🙂
_Leila says
Lisa, what nonsense. Did I or did I not give you ALL sorts of measurements for the E. lasagna? No gratitude around this place. I actually went and looked at my bag of cheese etc. to find out how much I use!! Although, do I use that much? Hmm…
Lisa G. says
Ha! LOL
CMerie says
Since I've found your blog, I not only hurry to read whatever is new that you've posted, but I've gone back and saved many posts in a new folder in my favorites called “To Read”. So whenever I have a minute or two, and need some inpiration, or just a pep-talk, I read one of those posts. Thanks for all you do! Even if it started out for just each other, I think many people have been blessed here. I know I have. 🙂
Breanna says
My mother and I talk every morning because we live 1700 miles apart. (Yay for free Verizon-to-Verizon minutes.) We talk about YOU all the time, as well–as in, “Did you see what Rosie's baby is doing? He's only three weeks older than David (my little guy), right? He's SO cute. Did you see her wreath? Did you see Leila's quilt?”
But Mom and I disagree. I think this has been clarified at some point but can't find it–I say “LEE-la” and she says “LYE-la”. While both are pretty, we are wondering which is right? Or is it possibly LAY-la?
Laura Jeanne says
I have been closely following this blog since around the beginning of 2011, and it's been such an inspiration to me. I need and love all the wonderful advice on homemaking and parenting especially, since my own mom wasn't thrilled about homemaking and didn't pass on any skills to me–she wanted me to “do something” with my life instead of be “just” a housewife like her. As if there is anything more important to do than raise a happy family–and I am so glad to be able to come here and be told that what I am doing IS important, and it does matter. I am always so happy when I see there is a new post!
By the way Rosie, that is a seriously pretty bundt pan! Today is my husband's and my anniversary…I think a bundt cake is in order! 🙂
Ann Marie says
I LOVE this blog..really it's the only one I read with regularity. I would love to meet all of you (and hold pie-in-the-sky hopes that it might happen…I mean that lovingly, not in the “creepy-stalker” sort of way). I love the practical advice and the firm, direct, yet loving way it's presented. I could go on and on. But happy birthday…and many more. 🙂
_Leila says
Breanna, it's LYE-la, although my father the Egyptian – and all the Egyptians and Arabs in general – called me Lay-la, and that is fine. But never Leela! Actually, that's not true, people call me that and also, yes really, LEE-EYE-La, but they are wrong.
Rosie, now that we have Natasha, we occasionally do big birthday bashes 🙂 But it's so true that (my) default is cake and ice cream, especially the latter.
I love our blog — I love our readers! You are all the best.
Joy in the South says
I'm from the South, where older people add “er” to names ending with A. My dear grandmother was one of 4 girls named Ada (pronouned Ader), Lena (Lener), Leilia (Lee-eye-la, pronounced Leiler), and my g'mother, Stella (Steller). I thought you'd get a laugh at that! I still pronounce their names that way because it was the way I grew up hearing them. Personally, I think it's charming!
_Leila says
Joy, people in Boston do that too, AND drop the R where it exists, so my very own mother-in-law would introduce me as Leiler Lawlah. ~shakes head~
Mamabear, JD says
Ha Ha, that is true in rural Texas about adding the r's.
Joy in the South says
I LOVE this blog, too! I guess I've been reading for over a year, but it's on my bloglist and I check it every day. I'm older, with grown children, but I love seeing the photos and I learn new things from you. I especially love seeing pics of Pippo, who is so very cute! I like seeing what's going on in your lives because I have 6 daughters who are close like you girls/moms are to each other.
Happy Blog Birthday!!
Woman of the House says
Happy anniversary! I so enjoy reading your blog and am happy when there's a new post. And how smart of Rosie to post the recipes because she just KNEW we were going to ask anyway! lol
Dixie says
Ladies,
This blog is such a blessing to me. It is a great source of encouragement as I sit hour-upon-hour, nursing my beautiful 5-week-old consta-nurser and trying not to think about my quarter-finished dissertation (much less the housework), which I wish now I could just throw to the wind! All I want is to be a better mama and wife.
Rosie and Leila, I loved the posts on nursing, but it would be such a help to me to hear more about how you got along while a small baby needed you so very much. How do you handle the emotions and how do you do anything except nurse in the first weeks/months? Or do you? When and how do you start to be able to bake bundt cakes (or finish the dissertation draft!)? We have no family to rely on for help or advice, and I would so love to hear your perspectives.
_Leila says
Dixie, just keep nursing, and pay attention when you are not dozing off yourself — little by little a pattern will develop, a rhythm — and while you are nursing, think about how you only have to do two things today besides take care of the baby — somehow get your hubby some supper (if you can get him to pick some up on his way home, well, you've done that chore!) and somehow make sure everyone has clean clothes tomorrow.
http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2009/01/c…
If you can roast a chicken tomorrow, and really, that just means putting a chicken in the oven and taking it out when it's done — you may shake some salt on it — you can roast two chickens. If you do that, you will have tomorrow's dinner, Monday's dinner (chicken fajitas), Wednesday's dinner (chicken soup) — and some cooked chicken for the freezer!
Sunday put a ham in the oven, and then Tuesday you can have macaroni and cheese with ham, Thursday you can have ham slices with roasted yams, and you can put a ham bone and some ham pieces in the freezer!
Just keep thinking like that, and before you know it, you will be baking cakes with the best of them!
The dissertation… might take longer 🙂 But if it's going to get done, it will be because you already know what's for dinner!
Give that little one a kiss from us!
kristin, from va says
I adore your blog…even though I don't have much in common with you all (except that I'm a convert too!…I work outside the home, and sadly am not much of a homemaker), I aspire to do better and create a lovely life for my family like all of you, and YOU help me with those aspirations. I cherish your writings and perspective on parenting, and feel that I know you like friends, even though we've never met (funny thing about blogs). Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
_Leila says
Kristin, all that matters is that, whatever you do, you make your home a HOME! Thanks for the kind words! XOXO
Anne says
I know that this wasn't the point, but that picture of Pippo organizing the tupperware gave me a little pang. Look at his STANDING, and his hair looking so RED…I miss him. 🙁
Gertie_the_Cat says
Happy birthday! I too read every post although I haven't really commented. The television pretty much raised me & my sisters, & now that I am a housewife in need of direction, I eagerly look forward to the virtual mentorship that Auntie Leila (& her precious daughters) give. Many thanks!
Also, Rosie – I just love the bundt cake mold. What brand is it?
RubberChickenGirl says
Surely, it's Nordic Ware. the original?
_Rosie says
Indeed it is NordicWare – it's their “fleur-de-lis” bundt. I love it!
Anne says
Also, I'm so jealous of your bunt! It's so pretty! I've never seen one like that before. The sugar makes the design look particularly stunning. Pretty, Pretty cake.
And don't things just taste so much better when they are pretty? I handed John a slice of cheese cake with strawberries and blueberries on top this morning (yes, with breakfast! we were totally celebrating LMLD) and he just dumped it upsidedown onto his plate! Men!…sigh. 🙂 Just kidding, John actually has a very good aesthetic sense, if I do say so myself, but I did find that a little shocking.
_Rosie says
I had cake for breakfast this morning, too!
_Leila says
Eating cheesecake for breakfast, upside down or rightside up, is just one step behind eating ice cream for breakfast! You guys are living the high life!!
Elizabeth says
Happy happy birthday mothers and daughters! I've been lurking here for 2 years now and your blog is one of my favorite reads. I've gone back and forth trough the archives and have been inspired and encouraged countless times. I'm a married student in Belgium, my husband and baby boy will join the Church next Easter. Brought up as calvinists from Holland there are so many things we don't know… and living in a country that is extremely frustrated with it's Catholic heritage doesn't really help. Your blog has been wonderful for me. Thank you for taking the effort to write so openly, you've made me feel less helpless as a beginner in the Catholic fait, a mother, housekeeper, etc. Know that you are a blessing! Best wishes, Elizabeth
paula says
Happy blog birthday!! I love blogs and y'all are my favorite. I feel like the advice is directed at me. One of my favorites is that one “must take a shower daily”. I truly need simple advice like that!! Keep on posting and little Pippo is adorable!
Bren says
â«Happy Birthdayâ« I don't usually comment but I read every post! Such a wonderful blog!! Wishing you all many more years!
Elizabeth says
Happy Birthday! I too am so glad that you have all shared your ideas, pictures, and wisdom on this blog. It is a wonderful resource!
I think I remember reading that you Rosie used to be a teacher, and that Suki and maybe Deirdre are teaching now as well (I could be wrong on this!). I'm majoring in education now, and would love to hear about your experiences teaching, especially after being homeschooled!
Deirdre says
Rosie, Suki, and I have all been teachers at some point. Rosie and Suki are the more experienced ones, however… my teaching stint was brief. But my future husband is a teacher, so maybe that counts for something! 😉
Suzanne says
I just found this blog this year. I missed out on a lot of homemaking skills and ideas because I was overwhelmed with school and activities when I lived at home when I was growing up. I just didn't pay attention to domestic things as a teenager because I lacked the time! Then I moved far away for college.
The parenting advice is also so, so helpful. There are few “experts” I trust on parenting – Auntie Leila and Dr. Ray Guarendi. That's it! Thank you and God bless you all for the fabulous work you have all put into this JOYFUL, beautiful website!
Valerie says
*waves* from New Zealand. Thankyou for sharing your lives, thoughts and wisdom in this beautiful blog. It's become a delightful and inspiring part of my day. Congratulations on the anniversary – wishing you many more.
The Housewife says
Happy Birthday to your wonderful blog. I started following you a few months back and I have enjoyed every post since. I will try very hard to be a much better blog reader and leave comments from now on. Your bundt cake and ice-cream look delicious. I will definitely give the cake recipe a try.
Bethany says
While reading this, I realized I've been reading your blog for almost two years! (I also realized that I want some cake.) I love all of LMLD, but I think I've been especially influenced by Auntie Leila's practical wisdom. Thank you! You've influenced my daily life in some pretty drastic ways: showers, laundry, menus–come to think of it, my whole family thanks you. Happy birthday to LMLD!
Suzanne says
This blog is such an encouragement to me, trying to figure this stuff out on my own has been tough! You'd be amazed (or maybe you wouldn't be) at how few women out there have anyone to teach them these things. Especially in an area lacking a sizeable Catholic community, love the culture posts. I'd like to hear from Leila about children and television, and dealing with sibling disputes.
sarah says
I haven't been reading your blog for a long time, but I absolutely love the wisdom shared, the love of simple and everyday things. Thank you thank you thank you, especially Leila for all the wisdom shared. I have read so many of your parenting and house keeping and menu planning posts. wonderful info.
Dawn says
I discovered your blog about a month ago and LOVE IT! Thank you so much for sharing your collective memory. I am learning so much. Not only is this blog a wonderful teaching tool but it is a wonderful distraction. As I type, we are sitting in Ronald McDonald House while our son goes through his yearly cardiac appointments and care. I am so glad to have a few minutes to enjoy the lovely pictures and stories. This blog has become one of my very favorites.
Blessings,
Dawn
priest's wife says
praying for you and your little one!
_Leila says
Dawn, may you be home soon with all calm and well!
Amy Caroline says
Dawn, may you be home soon with all calm and well!
Betsy M says
Happy Birthday LMLD! As I sit down to nurse my little guy every morning the first thing I do is check if you all have a new post. It just makes my day when you do! As many of the others have said, your posts have become a bit of a conversation topic amongst my sisters and myself. (In a nice, not creepy sort of stalker way.)
Oh, and the mix of your topics is great. All of your posts seem to be written with me in mind. How can that be! 🙂 I don't homeschool my kids but your homeschooling ideas are great for adding to the education my kids receive (rather after-schooling them in a fun way). Thanks for all that you do! God Bless.
_Leila says
Oh, Betsy, the topics are written for you because we've installed a webcam at your house! Just one more service we provide 😉
Anisha says
I love your blog! I can't even remember how I stumbled upon it a couple of weeks ago, but I'm hooked. I especially love the words of wisdom/experience and general happy family love. As a brand new (ok a year and a half) wife who has been learning how to keep house, it was a joy. And I love making things (cooking, sewing, just making, anything) so that was a joy too. Thank you
priest's wife says
Happy Birthday!
I am off to buy buttermilk for the cake…if you can do it, say can I, right? 😉
RubberChickenGirl says
Done and done. Cake's cooling on the counter. Gluten Free.Tried it it 2 3/4 C GF Cake Flour (my recipe), 1/4 Whole Grain Mix, 1 t Xanthan Gum Mix, 2 t Baking Powder, 2 t Leavening Mix. Baked 50 min. Will report back. Always an experiment. I *need* pumpkin ice cream. May just mix some canned pumpkin into some vanilla ice cream. Too gourmet to make it from whole cloth.
Happy Birthday, ladies! Giving thanks for your family today….
RCG
Betsy M says
I would love to know how the gf version turned out! I had plans to duplicate it as well but would love to hear if your substitutions work.
For anyone who is Dairy free you can make a pumpkin ice cream with the identical recipe as above but substitute in full fat coconut milk from a can. It is my family's favorite.
RubberChickenGirl says
The gf version worked, but I baked it 50 minutes and it was a bit long. I am having issues with my Bundts sticking to the pan and baking too long may be part of the problem. I use 2 parts rice flour, 1 part potato starch, 1 part corn starch as my mainstay cake flour. My leavening is part baking powder, part baking soda, part cream of tartar, but you could use 2 t BP + 1 t soda. I tend to use a blend of fats (half margarine/half oil this time). I blend buckwheat, brown rice, sorghum, amaranth (whatever brown whole grain flour I have) and add 1/4-1/2 C as part of the flour mix. TMI for most, sorry.
Hope it helps. Tell me if you make it and if you get it to come out of the pan nicely and how???
RCG
PS Leila or Rosie, I did duplicate my post accidentally if you want to delete the extra one.
RubberChickenGirl says
Done and done. Cake's cooling on the counter. Gluten Free.Tried it it 2 3/4 C GF Cake Flour (my recipe), 1/4 Whole Grain Mix, 1 t Xanthan Gum Mix, 2 t Baking Powder, 2 t Leavening Mix. Baked 50 min. Will report back. Always an experiment. I *need* pumpkin ice cream. May just mix some canned pumpkin into some vanilla ice cream. Too gourmet to make it from whole cloth.
Happy Birthday, ladies!!
RCG
PS Love the aqua cake pedestal!
(is this a duplicate??)
RubberChickenGirl says
PPS Off topic–a wedding gift idea inspired by your apron/cookbook/vintage deviled egg platter combo–I wanted to give a cookbook/Bundt Pan/My Big Fat Greek Wedding DVD combo, but Wal*mart doesn't carry the video anymore. So, another time when I have time to plan ahead and order it. You do know about the Bundt part?:
It's a Bundt.
Boont?
BundTT.
Bonk?
Bundt. Bundt.
It's a cake….
There's a hole in this cake. ;O)
Pippajo says
Hahaha! This exchange is the ONLY thing I think of whenever I see or hear, “bundt”!
_Leila says
And then, in the next scene with the tiny flowerpot in the center of the dish, “Maria! You fix the cake!”
_Rosie says
But of course!
(and I think that's a fun gift idea!)
Robin says
Oh, MAN! I was totally going to say that I could think of that bundt cake up there without having My Big Fat Greek Wedding running through my head!
And, ladies, thank you, thank you, for all that you do here. Every post is generally about things that I think about or want to know….without the creepy webcam in my house, Auntie Leila. :o)
_Leila says
It's there, Robin, it's there. You just don't see it. I have eyes in the back of my head. And other words to that effect.
Kh. Patty says
Happy Birthday to LMLD! You all have given me so many ideas and motivated me so very often. Thank you!!
(And your cake and ice cream look so yummy!!)
sibyl says
Happy birthday! I've followed your blog for almost two years now and can honestly say it still tops my list. It's like the best women's/home/eclectic magazine ever. You've all taught me a lot. Please know that you have a friend in Minnesota. Who, by the way, made Egyptian lasagne two nights ago and LOVED it. It worked just exactly as it was supposed to.
Monica says
Happy Belated Birthday from another Minnesota mom. I share your blog with everyone I know! Your gentle, loving manner is so encouraging to young singles and all moms. I check in daily because 1) even though I've managed a household for 30+ years, I learn something new with your every post and 2) your words feed this motherless daughter's soul. I've been trying to get my daughter in the DC area to stop by your blog for a few months now. I'm so proud of all she's accomplished on her own on the job and in making a home in a new city. I'm ever so pleased to report that she visited LMLD last week and already has made the e-lasagna recipe. I've prepared 2, 1 for us & 1 to share. Next is that yummy cake! Thank you for all you do….. God bless.
coleen says
I've been a long time reader…..but have never commented, so today I will. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Pippajo says
Happy, Happy Birthday! I went back through both my blog and yours to try to determine when it was that I found you; I think it was September of 2008. So I've not been around since the beginning but it's been a long time (that I've been stalking you)!
I can't begin to tell you what this blog has meant to me and my family. My sister reads it, too, and we sit around and talk about you all like we know you in person, too! We were both waxing rhapsodic recently about how much we've learned about being wives and mothers, about keeping house and making our homes into warm, safe havens for our families, about fulfilling our calling as Christian women, all from reading this blog!
Uplifting
Educational
Humorous
Challenging
Honest
Real
Beautiful
Like Mother, Like Daughter is all those things and more! God bless you all and your ever growing families! Here's to you and yours! Cheers, congratulations and thank you!
Pippajo says
P.S. I think you have everyone in the blogosphere making cake today! I'm cheating and making chocolate muffins from a box!
_Rosie says
My work here is done.
freckled Hen says
Happy Birthday LMLD! You guys have taught me so much about life and family. Often I read posts and for days reflect on what you have shared. I'm not always good at leaving comments but really your words stay with me. From little Pippo to your lovely Habou (sp) you have a beautiful family!
Emily b says
Thank you!!!! You all have been such an inspiration to me. At times, when I lament the difficulty of mothering in this post-industrial, post-feminist movement society, I almost immediately hear a little voice say “yes, but you *do* have LMLD!” You are doing an important work. I owe my morning ritual, new disciplinary approach, and Sunday pot roast to you, auntie Leila. Thank you for passing on your wisdom–I really do feel like I'm sitting at your kitchen table when I read your posts. And I too would buy the book version! 😉
justamouse says
Is that strawberry hair I see? He is too scrumptious for words, and that hair!!!
Lisa G. says
I had the same thought! But his dad seems to be fair, and doesn't he have an auntie with red hair?
_Rosie says
His dad and I were both very fair babies – I was in college before I realized I couldn't call myself a blonde anymore! But I can't tell you how excited I am about his hair. It's looking curly, too!
justamouse says
See? i got so sidetracked with the hair that I forgot to say Happy 4th Birthday LMLD! Ad multos annos! (that's not only a wish, but a plead because I have a lot of learning to do).
Margaret says
Love your blog as well. I stumbled upon it about two years ago when I was googling a recipe for spent grain bread. I so appreciate all of your advice, wisdom, and children's books recs.! I've also become obsessed with the eggplant- it's the only eggplant recipe that I've ever really loved.
I had to finally comment because spice cake is my all-time favorite cake, but I've never had a bundt version. This one might force me to finally buy a bundt pan. In my family, spice cake always has chocolate frosting (may seem weird, but it's really tasty), but I might have to try pumpkin ice cream next time. Yum!
Sue says
Pearls of wisdom, spiritual insight, great book recommendations, homeschool ideas, all mixed in with crafty inspiration, delicious recipes, funny stories, lovely photos and a good laugh now and then – what more could anyone ask for?!! Please don't change a thing!!
We talk about Auntie Leila and the girls (and guys) around our house (in a decidedly non-creepy way), too. This blog (i.e., all of you) have touched our lives in a real way. Thank you, and a very blessed and Happy Bloggy Birthday!!
Libby Jane says
When you say it like that, it makes it seem so personal! I love this LMLD and have been reading it for some time. Ok, I've told all my friends about it and you have answered some of their questions!
I have found so many of your discussions thought provoking and encouraging. I have been looking and searching for a more experienced mom, a homeschooling, homemaking, sensible one whom I would like to be like, to follow around; whom I can imitate. Having made lots of good friends but not yet quite found such a mentor, I follow this blog around!
Really Truly,
Thanks a ton.
ps, I doubt you would, but I do hope you won't start doing lots of endorsements
christine says
And many more! Thank you for many encouraging posts. Leila, thank you for your posts on order and wonder. These words cross my mind frequently as I arrange and rearrange our home and homeschooling curriculum.
Rosie, I love bunt cakes too and my kids love the book “The Seven Silly Eaters” by Mary Anne Hoberman. I made the “pink and plump and perfect cake” (recipe online) in a bundt pan. So much fun!
annafirtree says
Since you ask, I'm a new reader… my name is Anna, I blog over here: http://annafirtree.blogspot.com/. I've been quite inspired and helped by your Reasonably Clean series. Thanks for that! (I'm also wondering if you have a birthday cake recipe that you often use for birthdays; this chocolate one you mention, you say is not too sweet, but I am on the lookout for a recipe, and I do quite enjoy the sweets!)
Mary says
Happy Birthday LMLD! What can I say? God directed me to you at just the right time. I am not a blog/computer reader for any reason, but LMLD is different. It is truly a collective memory. You have all captured the warmth of the hearth heated by generations of family love and the young freshness of new love and a new home perfectly.
So many paths that God leads us upon in so many lives and yet we are all the same. We all have the same needs. How was it that the abolition of motherhood has come to the point where we have all lost our collective memory?
Thank you for the inspiration to keep going in these tumultuous days of modern man. Thank you for the inspiration to keep our homes as sanctuaries for our growing families and of the hidden art of true motherhood.
If I were to give you anything for this anniversary, it would be a big thank you hug!
If I could ask for anything? hmm…. maybe more on topics that you wanted to return to at the end of posts but were not able to finish. It is like being fed a morsel after starving for a long period, I need the whole lump of bread!
_Leila says
Mary, you can remind me! I know I do that, and I try not to forget, but I also try not to make the posts ridiculously (as opposed to seriously) too long.
Donna L. says
Happy Bloggy Birthday!
I first found you last early last year when I needed a new recipe for Hot Cross Buns for Easter time….then a couple of months later, I had a newborn who didn't really like to sleep much, and I haunted the 'net while we nursed, and nursed and I drank sleepytime tea—in the hope it would go straight to my milk. No such luck! But, I gave my baby QUITE the *milkshake* one night when I read the post about “How to get up early–not for morning people” and absolutely burst out laughing and startled my baby. Then tried in vain to quit laughing and I just couldn't!
I love the posts about keeping a home, homeschooling, recipes etc. I just want MORE of the same!
Donna L. says
As an aside, we moved out to the country, well sort of, on 5 acres so the kids could run around with our dog, but I think the kids are a bit lonely. No kids in the neighborhood–save those who attend public and private school and are gone all day, and the rest are lovely retired folks. I am ashamed to say I am very jealous of the pictures of the boys playing football in the fall with young priests and others, and of all of the friends and family who are together at your lovely home. I'm not really an anti-social person, as I love people, I just am not having any luck finding families to be friends with us. Please pray for me!
My brother and sister (and spouses) have chosen NOT to have any children, so I will never get to be an Aunt, and that makes me very sad, and causes me to long for cousins for my little ones.
I would love to see a blog post about how to teach your children to be good citizens, and to get along with other people in the world. I know that is a BIG request, but I just need to see that it can be done, cheerfully, and well.
So happy and blessed that you started this blog, and I wish you many more years!
God bless you ALL!
Maggie says
Happy Birthday!! I read every post too and sometimes comment. I love all of the practical advice about raising a family. Your no nonsense, 'anyone can do it if we can' attitude feels so gentle and loving I don't feel bad about not having 'all of my ducks in a row' so to speak, but inspired instead to give it my best shot. I do not come from a long line of home makers and in fact my mum is on the same journey of trying to be a better homemaker as I am. Thank you!
Joy says
Happy Birthday! I agree with Rosie that any time is a good time for a cake. 🙂 This spice cake sounds lovely for autumn. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Auntie Leila's homemaking posts have been such a help. I even made pickles last year following your directions. Thank you for sharing your lives with us all.
Mattie says
Happy Birthday!
Thank you for the wisdom and beauty you ladies had to my life! You are wonderful!
I have a quick question: where did you find that beautiful bundt cake mold?! With its fleur de lis pattern it would be perfect for any Marian feast day cake!!! So if by any chance you can remember I would love to get one!
Thank you!
Bobbi says
I'm a fairly new reader but a faithful one! I love the basic tips as well as the more philosophical posts. I like to pretend I am “one of the family.” Happy blog birthday – and many more!
Mamabear, JD says
I've been stalking and talking for more than a year now, often to my own embarrassment! Happy blog-birthday! This looks great. I have that pan and it's been a real workhorse for many years.
warriormom says
Happy Birthday! I have no clue how I stumbled upon your blog but I am so glad I did about a month ago. Makes me wish I'd been brave enough to home school. sigh. I am enjoying reading all your sage advice, and can't wait to try the E. Lasagna! I'm reorganizing my home to include my daughter and her husband and babies – one on the way and a two year old. Both have a rare genetic disorder so are making us scramble on how to best help them live their short lives to the fullest. Thank you for sharing your blog with the rest of us!!
Sheryl says
Happy Birthday! Thank you for a daily dose of happiness and wisdom. (On the days you don't post, I just read a random previous post. 🙂 For many of us, you all are the family we didn't have but always longed to have. Thank you all for including us in your lives and for giving us that happiness. Love all the pictures. Pippo is darling and I can enjoy him as if he were my own grandson. All this being in the loving sense, not the creepy stalker way! Thank you . Sheryl
Meg says
I love your blog, it's so encouraging. Where did you get the bunt pan?
RubberChickenGirl says
I am sure the ladies (chicks in my terminology) will reply, but I have been seeing quite a variety of NoridicWare pans on display. I've seen baby bundts (cupcake size) and different sizes and shapes. You could check Amazon or eBay. http://www.nordicware.com/
RCG
Brenda says
Happy Birthday to your blog! It has been fun for me to come here…….I do wish I could remember where I linked from. I think it had something to do with that “Mothering Teenage Boys” post. 🙂
Pippo is absolutely adorable…such a big boy he's getting to be. Did I ever notice before that he is a redhead? I don't think so! My brother has red hair….he never appreciated it. :/
Thanks for hosting such as enjoyable place to visit.
most sincerely,
Brenda
_Rosie says
Mattie and Meg, the bundt pan was a wedding gift, but I they do sell it on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Platinum-Non-stick-Aluminum/dp/B00005NCWZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316923401&sr=8-1)” target=”_blank”> http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Platinum-Non-stick-Aluminum/dp/B00005NCWZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316923401&sr=8-1)” target=”_blank”>(http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Platinum-Non-stick-Aluminum/dp/B00005NCWZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316923401&sr=8-1). I imagine you could find it other places as well – it's the Nordic Ware “Fleur de Lis” bundt pan.
Debbie says
Happy birthday to the blog, Lawler (and formerly Lawler) ladies! Now all we need is a post from Bridget.
Rosie, thanks ever so much for the recipes;they look tantalizingly delectable, and just in time for Rosh HaShana…I can't believe Pippo's standing! Put up some more pictures of his standing skills, please.
Love,
Debbie
Madame Coin says
Hooray! Four years of archives, I need to take a few minutes here and there to discover more treasures.
This is the one blog I turn to for support, advice, and a good bit of finger-wagging when I need it. I have three little boys, 4, 2, and 1, and haven't spent much time mastering the art of housekeeping. And the child-rearing advice always strikes me to the heart. I pray about it, and feel confirmation that many of the things said here are wise. I also love the beautiful pictures!
It makes me feel like part of your family, although I rarely comment. Thank you!
Lisa says
Love you all and I'm very thankful for this blog.
Your family is definately an inspiration.
Keep on keepin' on!
SDJ says
Happy Birthday! I would not have survived the past couple of years of marriage and motherhood without this blog. Really, I'm the one who didn't know how to boil water when I got married and almost burnt the apartment building down trying to make chili while nursing a newborn. And they want me to clean and do laundry too (don't get me started on my husband's pinkified dress shirts and bleached black socks)?!?! I love learning about these things from the Lawler family and fully credit y'all with whatever domestic and housewifely (isn't that such a pretty word? why do women use the term “SAHM?”) virtues I have acquired (though they are still *far* too few in number). Thank you and God bless all of you. And God bless Mrs. M. for directing me to this blog (in case you're reading, Jen: thank you.)!
-Mariya in Kentucky
Cary says
Oh, yes! Thank you for all the great wisdom you impart on all of us, even for those of us who are nearing the end of our “children at home” phase. I love your frankness on many issues and your humor. My friend told me about your blog and I've been a faithful reader since. We often ask each other, “Did you read Leila's blog today?” And we find that the Catholic world is really very small. Many connections here and there to people we all know. I had a great laugh about how your mother in law pronounced your name, too funny! May God's blessings be upon you and your beautiful family.
Dorathea says
Happy birthday!!! Know that you are loved back, even if we haven't met. Love the blog, love the writers, love the families. Praise God!
Your posts are a little bit of sanity and peace (and help!), and I always feel like I've just entered a warm, welcoming home that smells of fresh woods and baked goods and have sat down to tea with a dear friend.
Tracy C. says
Hapy Birthday to my favorite blog! I truly appreciate the sharing of your lives and collective wisdom. I feel as if I am semi friends with y'all and also feel a bit sad that I am not (IRL you know?)
I have 7 kids and I have fervent hopes that we will all continue be as close and loving as your family as the years roll on by.
God Bless you all for your openess, advice and awesome recipes!
Dusa says
Thank you so much for opening your lives to us! I am not Catholic, or a mother but your posts on religion and homekeeping resonate with me (and I agree, every post needs a picture, even if it doesn't have anything to do with the post 🙂 )
And Rosie – I was really hoping there was going to be a recipe at the end of this post. Mmmmmm!
M.A. says
Happy Blogoversary! I've been reading LMLD for around 3 years. I am the reader who asked for a post on wedding flowers and I use your macaroni and cheese recipe a lot. So, clearly I like your variety of topics! I appreciate your advice on keeping a home. My mom passed away several years ago. I was in my later 20's when she passed. I'm recently married and while I don't need my mom (thankfully she raised me to be independent and self sufficient!), sometimes I'd love to talk to her about creating the type of home I want for our little family. Some of your posts have helped me with my vision as wife and maybe future mother. I thank you!!!
M.A.
Sara says
Happy Birthday! I'm a few days late. I enjoy your blog–it's one of my favorites!
Mrs. Pickles says
I tried leaving a comment the other day, but, well, I have four children, so, you know, chaos ensued or something. 🙂 I just wanted to say thank you all for your blog. It must take a lot to open your homes to the wide world as you do, and I wanted you all to know how appreciative I am — and I know I'm not the only one! I find your posts so encouraging and inspiring — often just the glimpse of heavenly beauty or the kick in the pants or the sympathetic pat I needed. (even the how-to-shower post! I loved that one! I just needed someone to give me permission to take care of myself!) 🙂 I could gush on, but I'll stop and simply say thank you, and God bless you all abundantly for the gifts you are to us!
Laura says
We are a happy Catholic Colorado family with 6 children (one on the way!). I was raised an only child and I delight in learning from all the happenings in your family. Thank you for all the wonderful posts that often have me laughing 🙂 (oh, and my husband reads as well!)
Monica says
Just remembered that I have a request that I forgot to mention. In one of your posts, you mentioned your household notebook. I have used such a notebook in one form or another for many years. I wonder if you would kindly share what topics or categories you include in your notebook? Thank you so much.
_Leila says
Monica, originally I thought I would do a post about the household binder, but then things got so very electronic in the past few years that I thought, well, would anyone do this any more? IS there paper to be managed? — sports schedules, doctors' permissions, school lists….
Isn't it all online?
Please advise…
monica says
Honestly, that is my dilemma as well and why I seek your advice. I tend to be a bit old-fashioned even though I love my gadgets. More to the point is that I easily fall into the out-of-sight then out-of-mind trap. To combat this tendency my family wall calendar is key. When my children were very young, I kept a binder with all their church, school, sports, scout, etc. info. I gradually shifted this responsibility to each child as it became appropriate. Each child kept this info in his own portable file bin and together we filed and purged until the child could do this on his own. So far so good.
I can be very organized, but it sure doesn't come naturally. I “borrow” ideas from women who've figured this all out. If I get out of the routine because of travel or guests or sickness — O M Goodness! I forget all my good ways and have to start over from scratch! So I TRY to keep a chore binder that attempts to forecast when certain tasks must be done. For example, in October I finally know to start the holiday chores which includes the dining room deep clean, chandelier, silver, etc. If I don't do this, it might be December before I even think of it! This is not good at all as we have a Christmas Eve birthday to remember. In this binder I also TRY to jot down what chores I accomplish each week. Not the everyday stuff – more the seasonal or monthly deep cleans. Without this recorded, I forget what needs doing and when last it was done. Then I either coast (read, walk, eat, read) too much or worse, I overdo and become all about cleaning all the time. Then I really struggle to choose joy. I wish for a balance. From one of your posts, I learned that you take a cue from your home as to what needs cleaning. My dilemma with this method is that it seems everything always needs cleaning. My binder gives me the peace of knowing that I will get to it in the right time.
Auntie Leila, if you think these questions are relevant, please consider commenting.
So ….. are there other categories in your food binder that I've missed?
And … do you have pointers for blending the electronic with the old-fashioned hard copy?
Your blog is so user friendly and easy to navigate that I imagine you likely have much of your life tasks
electronically organized. Yet your food binder is in a format to which I can easily relate.
Sorry this got so long. Just how long I won't know until I submit. Is there a secret to seeing one's entire comment (a comment that grows longer than the 7 lines shown in the comment box) that I don't know yet?
Your thoughts are most appreciated.
Monica
That was all probably TMI. As you are so reasonable and calm about how to navigate this homemaking business, I thought you might
I'm intrigued by your Food Binder. I keep one for holidays, but not for our everyday meals. In the past I planned menus for 7-10 days at a time. With a more frugal mindset, I hope to plan a month out. in your food binder you have your menus, recipes, shopping lists, best prices list…. and?
_Leila says
Monica, my food binder is very simple — recipes I really use (nothing gets in there if I don't love it), menu ideas, and a very spotty record of past menus. My household binder is for actual pieces of paper that other people make you take — sports schedules, doctors' letters that need to be copied, church bulletins — which is why I wonder if all that stuff isn't sent electronically now and could be kept in a “binder” in Evernote or something similar.
As to calendar reminders, why not use Google calendar? Not only will things pop up to remind you — events and tasks — but your husband or older children could share your calendar, which I find fantastic.
I will try to post about this at some point. I don't actually think I”m that organized!
monica says
Thanks so much for the tips. I've started a food binder similar to yours. Can't believe I never thought of this before… ESP since I had the sense to put together a holiday binder. I've been tempted to go to an online calendar for some time. I start one on Monday! I don't use Evernote but will check it out.
As far as organized goes…you are a marvel! I know my limits and fear I would have buckled if I had as much on my plate as you have had on yours. I'm humbled by how gracefully you mother your own family and the gentle way you share your wisdom with us out here in the world. God bless you all!
Maria says
I've been following your blog for couple of months – I noticed a link on Rosie's facebook (I met her at Free Society Seminar in Slovakia) and I immediately fell in love with LMLD :-)! I also come from a big Catholic family (we are 5 sisters and 1 little brother) so many things you write about are pretty familiar to me – from big freezers and big dinners to housekeeping and thrifting 😉
And although I don't have my own family yet and often traditions or products are different in Europe… great wisdom and love of motherhood and womanhood is the same everywhere…! So many thanks for sharing your experience, thoughts and beautiful photos! Lots of love from Slovakia
jenletts says
Happy Blog-o-versary! I greatly enjoy reading each new post here at Like Mother, Like Daughter. I appreciate that it is not just a baby blog or a quilting blog but is so diverse. If I were to request any new topics I'd like to hear more on raising a single teen girl. I know that is a difficult one, Bridget may not want to be talked about all over the blogosphere! I know my daughter would be less than thrilled. But just as there are matters pertaining to a family with many children, there are issues with having a single child that I would love to hear you address now that you have just one at home.
_Leila says
Yes, Jen, it's very different! I do many things that I never thought of doing before, when my kids had each other to play with. I make a bigger effort to visit with her friends, and to schedule activities that will interest her. But I also encourage her to see that where we are and who she is fall very much under \”God's Plan\” — not \”a big lonely mistake.\”
The truth is that she enjoys being alone a lot and gets very creative. Silence energizes her!
I will try to remember to write a post about this!
Renee says
I made the cake, after buying a bundt pan at the thrift store. Actually, after buying two bundt pans at the thrift store, and if I ever find one as cool as yours, I'll buy that, too. The cake was delicious, I got to use my cake stand that I bought at the thrift store a while ago and haven't had the cause to use. Anyway, chiming in with cudos and thanks!!